#18
Danielle Festa
3 events
First with a camera, then with oil paint and fabric, I define the personas of my subjects as they are perceived by onlookers. I let the material embrace and overwhelm the characters I create as they become preserved in their attire. I have been continually inspired to show how fabric has the power to dictate our personalities in an instant. By incorporating an unexpected element of cloth, I am calling attention to the ability of a specific article to define my subject’s identity.
For my red carpet series, I took a different approach than snapping photos of unsuspecting pedestrians. In May of 2013, I set the scene for a photo shoot in which anyone could participate. Since my paintings focus on the influence of attire, I was looking for a true sampling of the variety Union Square fashion has to offer. The contradiction of everyday people posing on what is normally reserved for the fashion elite is part of what drew me to the red carpet scenario. I had the opportunity to ask each subject how they their outfit made them feel and how they felt they were being perceived. I used these descriptions in their titles.
Marrying unconventional mediums allows me to tinker with viewers’ perceptions. Sometimes the elements of mixed media announce their presence first, but other times the fabric is subtly transitioned with the paint, demanding a second look. Through cuts and hems, hand sewing and gluing, my goal is to make the process a smooth integration. I want onlookers to experience the independent choices, the religious mandates and the social constructs that influence both what we wear and how we view others.
Spread the word
